A direct flight from Phoenix to Paris is a luxury in itself—no more layovers, just a seamless journey from the Sonoran Desert to the City of Light. With Air France now offering five nonstop flights a week seasonally, there’s never been a better excuse for a Parisian getaway.
For travelers who appreciate an impeccably designed stay, two boutique hotels from the elevated Chapitre Six hospitality brand promise an experience as memorable as the city itself: Hotel Hana, a hidden retreat in the historic Japanese quarter, and Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa, an opulent escape just steps from the iconic Champs-Élysées.
Hotel Hana: A Tranquil Hideaway in the Japanese Quarter
Paris is a city of discovery, and Hotel Hana may just be its latest best-kept secret. Tucked away on a quiet street in the 2nd arrondissement between the majestic Opéra Garnier and Palais Brongniart, this new gem feels more like a picturesque pied-à-terre than a hotel.
Housed in a stunning 19th-century Haussmannian building, its location in the city’s Japanese quarter provides a rare fusion of Parisian elegance and Japanese minimalism; an aesthetic realized by architect and interior designer Laura Gonzalez and creative director Oliver Leone, co-founder of the cult shoe brand Nodaleto. Think handcrafted carpets made by a French textile artist, Diptyque toiletries and in-room minibars stocked with organic green tea and sparkling yuzu juice from Japan.
Even the hotel’s energy flow has been optimized. Feng shui expert Hélène Weber advised on the room layouts to enhance rest and relaxation. Indeed, the 25 rooms and one top-floor suite exude a Zen-like atmosphere, achieving a perfect balance of minimalist Japanese style and maximalist Belle Époque influences.
The hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, Hanabi, reimagines French culinary classics through a Japanese lens, with indulgent offerings like silky cacio e pepe udon topped with sea urchin, delicate vanilla miso cheesecake and a curated selection of premium sake. The intimate adjoining bar, designed with the warmth of a plush living room, sets the stage for an inspired cocktail program. Sip on a dry martini elevated with Japanese gin and sansho pepper-infused vermouth, or opt for the lemon drop, a refined blend of French vodka, sake and bright yuzu.
Step outside and explore Paris’s Little Tokyo, including dining at the city’s oldest Japanese restaurant. Stroll down cobblestone streets to the nearby Marais and the Palais Royal to enjoy a mix of chic boutiques, vintage bookstores, charming gardens and galleries, and classic Parisian cafés.
Monsieur George: Old-World Glamour Near the Champs-Élysées
For those who prefer to be in the very heart of Paris, Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa offers a five-star blend of timeless elegance and contemporary cool. The Michelin Key hotel is a luxurious respite just steps from the Champs-Élysées, yet tucked away on a quiet side street in the city’s 8th arrondissement. Steeped in history, the space was once the home of French actor Jules Auguste Muraire, whom Orson Welles once called “the greatest actor who ever lived.”
Today, the hotel has been transformed by the legendary Anouska Hempel—who also designed London’s famed Blakes Hotel and once starred as a Bond girl—into a moody, sophisticated retreat adorned in emerald-green hues, velvet furnishings and antique mirrors. Many of the 46 rooms offer balconies and skylights with sweeping views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. For a truly unique stay, the Garden Suite is a hidden gem nestled behind an ivy-covered wrought-iron gate. Set over two levels, it features a leafy enclosed garden and a private bedroom terrace.
Dining at Galanga, the hotel’s restaurant, is a must. Michelin-starred chef Thomas Danigo, a rising star in the Paris food scene, spotlights plants and fermentation techniques in his artful plates. Highlighting vegetables, bitterness, oxidation and acidity with ingredients sourced from local producers, the five- or seven-course options feel indulgent yet refreshingly light.
Just outside the hotel, Paris unfolds in its most iconic form. The Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe are a short walk away. Stroll along the Seine to Pont Alexandre III, relax in the Jardin des Tuileries or browse the luxury boutiques of Avenue Montaigne, where Dior and Chanel await for a pre-dinner shopping spree.
Photos courtesy Hotel Hana and Monsieur George Hôtel & Spa.
